How to Make the Turbo AeroScout Paper Airplane

Introduction: How to Make the Turbo AeroScout Paper Airplane

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Fast, long range and aerodynamic, the Turbo AeroScout is a miniature "drone cruiser" paper airplane developed from the AeroScout and SkyScout designs before it.

The Turbo AeroScout was developed to succeed its namesake and compliment the related SkyScout family with a simpler design. To this end, I decided to reduce the material and construction requirements by retaining some existing features (such as the wing design which had been used on those types) while replacing the tail with a simpler butterfly design integrated with the airframe. Flight testing proved the aircraft a good performer and I approved of its publication shortly afterward.

TAA USAF Designation: D411-1

Step 1: Materials

Required: 1 Piece of 8 by 10.5 inch graph paper

Scissors

Ruler

Tape

Pencil

Stapler

Step 2: Begin Construction

First, begin by folding your your graph paper in half (excluding three boxes on the perforated side). Once the paper has been folded appropriately, make two marks--10 full boxes apart (allow for a further box back behind the airframe). Use a ruler to make a straight line with the length of 10 boxes directly up 1 row of boxes from the two marks you just made. Then make the stabilizers, spars and counterweight as shown. The airframe should appear as it does in the first photograph when you have completed its layout.

After the fuselage is made, take another sheet of paper that is folded in half along the lines of boxes. Mark out the wing as shown (2 boxes of chord at the root, by 5 boxes in width, with a leading edge sweep of 1 box of chord eliminated every 2 boxes away from the fuselage root and a trailing edge sweep of 1 box of chord every 5 boxes from the root). Then cut the wing out.

Solid lines indicate places to cut. Dotted lines indicate fold lines.

Note: 1 box = 0.25 inches

Step 3: Making the Fuselage; Stapling

Cut out your fuselage and fold its counterweights into place. Cut along the solid lines of the fins as shown. Fold along the dotted horizontal lines then tape where indicated. Apply one staple in the area of the counterweight and cut away the fuselage below the diagonal line at the rear as pictured.

Step 4: Applying the Wings

Cut out your Turbo AeroScout's wings and lay them beneath the fuselage. Apply tape where designated to secure them to the fuselage. Apply tape to the LERX joint where noted. The stabilizers should be canted outward at roughly 30 to 45 degrees. This will complete the aircraft.

Step 5: Flight

The Turbo AeroScout is fast and highly aerodynamic; it features a similar planform to its namesake and other similar designs, so it handles similarly as a result. Origami aviators with experience with those other types should have little difficulty transitioning. Launches should be conducted at moderate to high speeds at neutral or positive attitudes. Additional applicable surfaces include flaps, ailerons, rudders and elevators. Enjoy!